Quarterly Activities Report June 2023
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
31 July 2023
Lithium Australia Quarterly Report June 2023
HIGHLIGHTS
◼
319 tonnes of mixed batteries collected during the quarter, with a record total of
1,347 tonnes for FY23, representing an increase of 24% on FY22
◼
Fourth consecutive quarter of cash gross profit achieved of A$241k, totalling
A$1.2m for FY231
◼
Due to strong market demand, the development plan for LFP2 production has
grown from targeting a 200-300tpa3 capacity plant to a 2,000-3,000tpa plant
◼
Progressing advanced commercial discussions with leading Australian entities
regarding disruptive lithium extraction technology LieNA®
◼
Strengthened intellectual property portfolio through patents granted in China
and Europe, for LieNA® and SiLeach® 2nd generation technology, respectively
◼
Strong cash position with cash and listed investments of A$15 million,
underpinned by cost-saving initiatives to drive operational efficiencies
Lithium Australia Ltd (ASX:LIT) (“Lithium Australia” or the “Company”) is pleased to
release its quarterly business update and Appendix 4C for the period ended 30 June
2023 (“Q4 FY23”).
STRONG GROWTH IN BATTERY RECYCLING VOLUMES
During the quarter, a total of 319 tonnes of mixed batteries was collected for recycling,
with a record total of 1,347 tonnes for FY23, representing an increase of 24% on FY22.
In particular, large format and small format lithium-ion batteries experienced significant
growth of 41% and 80% respectively, highlighting the increase in recycling volumes of
higher margin battery types. The growth in battery collection volumes was largely driven
by B-cycle, the Australian government-backed battery recycling scheme, as well as
partnerships with key industry brands such as LG Energy Solution. Lithium Australia aims
to continue growing battery collection volumes in FY24 through securing additional
partnerships with tier 1 electric vehicles and energy storage services manufacturers, as
well as the B-cycle scheme.
1 Derived from the Quarterly Cash Flow Report: Receipts from customers less product
manufacturing and operating costs. Also includes sales and production costs related to the Soluna
business.
2 Lithium ferro phosphate
3 Tonnes per annum
`
Figure 1. Annual recycling volumes (tonnes)
+24%
1,600
Volume (tonnes)
+28%
1,200
59%
800
69%
72%
400
27%
19%
0
20%
7%
12%
14%
FY21
FY22
FY23
Large format lithium-ion batteries
Small format lithium-ion batteries
Other
“Other” includes alkaline batteries, legacy chemistries, and other collections (power tools and e-waste).
A cash gross profit of A$241k was recorded during the quarter by generating increased
operating leverage, achieving higher revenues on a lower cost base. The Company
successfully reduced ongoing costs by removing a third leased property in Victoria. The
cash gross profit result represents a significant improvement of A$307k relative to the
cash gross loss of A$(66)k4 recorded in the same quarter last year. In FY23, the
Company achieved a cash gross profit of A$1.2m, a significant improvement relative to
the cash gross loss of A$(1.3)m in FY22.
The recycling operations also achieved significant productivity improvements during the
quarter through improvements in the recycling process made in partnership with
Sustainability Victoria. The process optimisations have resulted in significant uplift of
recycled copper quality, which the Company expects will increase the value of recovered
copper by up to 60% based on recent commercial offers. Furthermore, the optimisations
and process improvements are also expected to increase final mixed metal dust (“MMD”)
output by 15%, representing a significant uplift in MMD yield to drive further operating
leverage.
The Company is pleased to report various safety improvements were also achieved
during the quarter through the installation of additional fire walls and cultural development
at the Laverton North facility. The safety of staff is paramount to the Company, which
remains an ongoing and continued focus.
The Company has been informed by EPA Victoria that the recycling division’s operating
license was incorrectly issued for a period of 99 years, when such operating licenses
may not remain in force for a period of over 20 years. This change does not impact the
Company’s current and planned recycling operations, or the validity and terms of the
license.
4 Derived from Appendix 5B: Receipts from customers less production costs. Also includes sales
and production costs related to the Soluna business.
ASX ANNOUNCEMENTS Lithium Australia
lithium-au.com
Page 2
`
INCREASING PLANT CAPABILITY DUE TO DEMAND
Due to strong industry demand, Lithium Australia has grown the development plan of its
LFP and LMFP5 production from a pre-qualification pilot plant, with a capacity of 200300tpa towards a much larger qualification plant, with an approximately 10 times larger
capacity of 2,000-3,000tpa. This expansion is underpinned by continued growing demand
for Lithium Australia product, with cathode material samples requested by several
potential large-scale customers across different geographic locations for assessment.
Potential customers have begun testing to assess the quality, performance, and
suitability of the cathode materials for their specific battery applications. If the completed
test work proves that Lithium Australia's cathode materials are compatible to their
applications, opportunities will be explored to establish deeper and more substantial
partnerships with these potential customers.
PROGRESSING ADVANCED COMMERCIAL DISCUSSIONS WITH LEADING
AUSTRALIAN ENTITIES
Lithium Australia is currently in progressed discussions with relevant Australian entities in
order to source a potential partner to fund the development and operation of a pilot plant
and engineering study for the Company’s patented LieNA® technology. The LieNA®
technology has the potential to enhance lithium extraction yields by up to 50%6 over
current market performance, and the partnership is aimed at accelerating the
technology’s pathway to commercialisation.
INCREASED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PORTFOLIO
The Company continues to strengthen its broader intellectual property (“IP”) portfolio
through additional patents involving lithium extraction. During the quarter, a Chinese
patent application was granted for LieNA® 2nd generation. In addition, the Company’s
patent application for SiLeach® 2nd generation technology has also been allowed in
Europe. The patented LieNA® and SiLeach® technologies are designed to extract lithium
from fine and low-grade ores, providing the potential to materially increase mine output
and efficiency, while also increasing profitability for lithium mine operators. A strong and
protected lithium extraction IP portfolio is core to the Company’s commercialisation
strategy, given the large potential upside for miners.
STRONG BALANCE SHEET
As at 30 June 2023, the Company has a strong balance sheet with cash and listed
investments of A$15 million and no debt7. The Company has prioritised cost savings and
implemented key measures, including the aforementioned recent closure of a Melbourne
recycling site and consolidation of the Perth office. Lithium Australia has also restructured
its executive leadership team, with a clear focus on defining roles and responsibilities to
maximise the core capabilities within the team.
5 Lithium manganese ferro phosphate
6 Assumes existing mine concentrator is 60%: 60% to 90% Li recovery increase assumes LieNA®
recovers 75% of lithium units going to tails
7 Refer to Quarterly Cash Flow Report fort cash balances
ASX ANNOUNCEMENTS Lithium Australia
lithium-au.com
Page 3
`
Comment from Lithium Australia Chief Executive Officer, Simon Linge
“During FY23 LIT has achieved significant improvements in operating leverage - our
disciplined approach has generated a cash gross profit for the recycling division, with
additional growth expected in coming quarters given the significant improvements
achieved in our recycling process.
With substantial cash and liquid investments, we are well-funded to effectively execute
on our strategic plans. Our cost-saving initiatives aims to enhance operational efficiency
and contribute to sustained profitability for the group, with a key focus placed on
optimising our recycling division.
I am excited about the future prospects for LIT. With a solid foundation, exceptional
partnerships and a dedicated team, we are well-positioned to capitalise on the growing
demand for lithium-ion batteries. By driving innovation and prioritising sustainability, we
aim to create a more sustainable future.”
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)
During the quarter, Lithium Australia further developed its ESG roadmap, defining gaps in
its policies and practices to align with ESG standards. The Company is committed to
ongoing ESG compliance and remains on track with the standard and policies set out.
Refer to Appendix 1 for further details.
CORPORATE ACTIVITIES
During the quarter, the Company completed the sale of 70% its holding in the Lepidolite
Hill Lithium Project to Eastern Resources (ASX:EFE) and announced the retainment of it’s
holding in the Lake Johnston Lithium Project. The Company also released an
Unmarketable Parcel Sale facility to consolidate the Company’s share register.
Authorised for release by the Board.
Simon Linge
Chief Executive Officer
Mobile +61 (0) 438 721 280
simon.linge@lithium-au.com
ASX ANNOUNCEMENTS Lithium Australia
Stuart Tarrant
Chief Financial Officer
Mobile +61 (0) 467 817 005
stuart.tarrant@lithium-au.com
lithium-au.com
Page 4
`
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that it is beyond the Company’s ability
to control or predict and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially
from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.
About Lithium Australia
Lithium Australia is aiming to lead and enable the global transition to sustainable lithium
production. The Company operates Australia’s market leading lithium-ion battery
recycler, develops leading-edge processing technology to produce lithium ferro
phosphate (LFP), and develops patented lithium extraction technology. Lithium
Australia’s revenue-generating recycling business and technologies are well-placed to
capitalise on growing global lithium-ion battery demand and provides diversification
benefits to global supply chains.
ASX ANNOUNCEMENTS Lithium Australia
lithium-au.com
Page 5
`
Appendix 1 – Additional information
Key ESG metrics
Pillars
Safety
People
Environment
Corporate governance
Items
Year to date lost time injury incidents
Agreements with First Nation's Peoples at Quarter end
Outstanding closure matters at Quarter end
Year to date bribery and/ or corruption incidents
#
2
0
1*
0
* Note: Relates to the Ravensthorpe rehabilitation
Director’s corporate governance committee roles
Director
George Bauk
Kristie Young
Phil Thick
Committee role
Member of the Audit & Risk Committee
Member of Remuneration & Nominations Committee
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
Member of Remuneration & Nominations Committee
Member of the Audit & Risk Committee
Chair of Remuneration & Nominations Committee
Payments to related parties of the entity and their associates
In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 4.7C.3, payments made during the quarter and
included in items 6.1 and 6.2 of ASX Appendix 4C – ‘Quarterly cash flow report for entities
subject to Listing Rule 4.7B ' – comprise the following
6.1 Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in
$53,000
cash flows from operating activities
- This includes payments of directors’ remuneration for services to the economic
$53,000
entity
- Payment to directors’ associates for services provided to the economic entity
$nil
Securities on issue as at 30 June 2023
Class
Quoted
Ordinary shares (ASX: LIT)
Options exercisable at $0.0499 expiring 28-Feb-2025 (ASX:LITOA)
Options exercisable at $0.10 expiring 19-Oct-2025 (ASX:LITOB)
Unquoted
Performance Rights (various expiry dates)
ASX ANNOUNCEMENTS Lithium Australia
lithium-au.com
Number
1,221,191,672
61,705,990
139,329,261
144,250,000
Page 6
Rule 4.7B
Appendix 4C
Quarterly cash flow report for entities
subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
Name of entity
Lithium Australia Limited
ABN
Quarter ended (“current quarter”)
29 126 129 413
30 June 2023
Consolidated statement of cash flows
1.
Cash flows from operating activities
1.1
Receipts from customers
1.2
Payments for
(a) research and development
(b) product manufacturing and operating
costs
(c) advertising and marketing
(d) leased assets
(e) staff costs
(f)
administration and corporate costs
Current quarter
$A’000
Year to date
(12 months)
$A’000
1,508
5,137
(567)
(3,523)
(1,267)
(3,906)
(128)
(413)
-
-
(1,256)
(5,822)
(487)
(2,153)
-
-
32
91
1.3
Dividends received (see note 3)
1.4
Interest received
1.5
Interest and other costs of finance paid
-
-
1.6
Income taxes paid
-
-
1.7
Government grants and tax incentives
423
2,061
1.8
Other (provide details if material)
-
-
1.9
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities
(1,742)
(8,528)
2.
Cash flows from investing activities
2.1
Payments to acquire or for:
(a) entities
-
-
(b) businesses
-
-
(c) property, plant and equipment
(227)
(1,058)
(d) investments
(29)
(89)
-
-
(60)
(620)
(e) intellectual property
(f)
other non-current assets
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 1
Appendix 4C
Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
Consolidated statement of cash flows
2.2
Current quarter
$A’000
Year to date
(12 months)
$A’000
Proceeds from disposal of:
(a) entities
-
-
(b) businesses
-
-
(c) property, plant and equipment
16
42
(d) investments
156
2,968
(e) intellectual property
-
-
(f)
-
-
other non-current assets
2.3
Cash flows from loans to other entities
-
-
2.4
Dividends received (see note 3)
-
-
2.5
Other (provide details if material)
-
(14)
2.6
Net cash from / (used in) investing
activities
(144)
1,229
3.
Cash flows from financing activities
3.1
Proceeds from issues of equity securities
(excluding convertible debt securities)
-
13,010
3.2
Proceeds from issue of convertible debt
securities
-
-
3.3
Proceeds from exercise of options
-
-
3.4
Transaction costs related to issues of
equity securities or convertible debt
securities
-
(730)
3.5
Proceeds from borrowings
-
-
3.6
Repayment of borrowings
(182)
(697)
3.7
Transaction costs related to loans and
borrowings
(5)
(37)
3.8
Dividends paid
-
-
3.9
Other (provide details if material)
-
-
3.10
Net cash from / (used in) financing
activities
(187)
11,546
4.
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents for the period
4.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
11,113
4,848
4.2
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities (item 1.9 above)
(1,742)
(8,528)
4.3
Net cash from / (used in) investing activities
(item 2.6 above)
(144)
1,229
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 2
Appendix 4C
Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
Consolidated statement of cash flows
4.4
Net cash from / (used in) financing activities
(item 3.10 above)
4.5
Effect of movement in exchange rates on
cash held
4.6
5.
Current quarter
$A’000
Year to date
(12 months)
$A’000
(187)
11,546
7
(48)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period
9,047
9,047
Reconciliation of cash and cash
equivalents
Current quarter
$A’000
Previous quarter
$A’000
at the end of the quarter (as shown in the
consolidated statement of cash flows) to the
related items in the accounts
5.1
Bank balances
9,047
11,113
5.2
Call deposits
-
-
5.3
Bank overdrafts
-
-
5.4
Other (provide details)
-
-
5.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
quarter (should equal item 4.6 above)
9,047
11,113
6.
Payments to related parties of the entity and their
associates
6.1
Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their
associates included in item 1
53
6.2
Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their
associates included in item 2
-
Current quarter
$A'000
Note: if any amounts are shown in items 6.1 or 6.2, your quarterly activity report must include a description of, and an
explanation for, such payments.
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 3
Appendix 4C
Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
7.
Financing facilities
Note: the term “facility’ includes all forms of financing
arrangements available to the entity.
Add notes as necessary for an understanding of the
sources of finance available to the entity.
Total facility
amount at quarter
end
$A’000
Amount drawn at
quarter end
$A’000
7.1
Loan facilities
-
-
7.2
Credit standby arrangements
-
-
7.3
Other (please specify)
-
-
7.4
Total financing facilities
-
-
7.5
Unused financing facilities available at quarter end
7.6
Include in the box below a description of each facility above, including the lender, interest
rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any additional financing
facilities have been entered into or are proposed to be entered into after quarter end,
include a note providing details of those facilities as well.
8.
Estimated cash available for future operating activities
8.1
Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9)
(1,742)
8.2
Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end (item 4.6)
9,047
8.3
Unused finance facilities available at quarter end (item 7.5)
8.4
Total available funding (item 8.2 + item 8.3)
8.5
Estimated quarters of funding available (item 8.4 divided by
item 8.1)
-
$A’000
9,047
5.2
Note: if the entity has reported positive net operating cash flows in item 1.9, answer item 8.5 as “N/A”. Otherwise, a
figure for the estimated quarters of funding available must be included in item 8.5.
8.6
If item 8.5 is less than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following questions:
8.6.1
Does the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level of net operating
cash flows for the time being and, if not, why not?
Answer:
8.6.2
Has the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further
cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does it
believe that they will be successful?
Answer:
8.6.3
Does the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet its business
objectives and, if so, on what basis?
Answer:
Note: where item 8.5 is less than 2 quarters, all of questions 8.6.1, 8.6.2 and 8.6.3 above must be answered.
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 4
Appendix 4C
Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
Compliance statement
1
This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies
which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.
2
This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.
Date:
31 July 2023
Authorised by: “By the Board”
(Name of body or officer authorising release – see note 4)
Notes
1.
This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report provide a basis for informing the market about the
entity’s activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and the effect this has had on its cash position. An
entity that wishes to disclose additional information over and above the minimum required under the Listing Rules is
encouraged to do so.
2.
If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions
in, and provisions of, AASB 107: Statement of Cash Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow report has been
prepared in accordance with other accounting standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the
corresponding equivalent standard applies to this report.
3.
Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from operating activities or cash flows from investing
activities, depending on the accounting policy of the entity.
4.
If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the
board”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your board of directors, you can insert here:
“By the [name of board committee – eg Audit and Risk Committee]”. If it has been authorised for release to the market
by a disclosure committee, you can insert here: “By the Disclosure Committee”.
5.
If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out
as complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles
and Recommendations, the board should have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion, the
financial records of the entity have been properly maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate accounting
standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the
basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 5
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